Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido has proposed creating Michigan’s first child support specialty court, aimed at helping parents behind on payments to catch up, find work and avoid felony convictions.

The pilot program would function like other diversion programs – such as specialty courts drug (sobriety) court, veterans court and mental health court – that offer structured supervision and support services instead of immediate criminal penalties, Lucido said last week in a news release.

“Our goal is simple: get children the support they’re owed while addressing the barriers that keep parents from paying,” Lucido said. “This is about finding solutions that work for families, not just punishing nonpayment. By helping parents meet their obligations, we give children the resources they d

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